Composition for forming fireproof coatings and caulking and a method of use

ABSTRACT

The invention is an aqueous composition for forming fireproof coatings and caulking. The composition is halogen, asbestos and antimony-free. The composition contains 5-20% by weight of a binder resin; 10-60% by weight of a particulate flameproofing agent; 0.2 to 27.5% by weight of non-asbestos inorganic fibers with an average length of 300 micron; 0.1 to 10% by weight of a plasticizer; and water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates to a fireproofing compound containing binders,flameproofing agents, fibers and plasticizers and to the use of thefireproofing compound.

2. Discussion of Related Art

In the building industry in particular, the structural elements used,such as for example ceilings, walls, partitions, girders and columnsetc., must have adequate fire resistance. To this end, there are legalprovisions which stipulate the period for which the structural elementshave to withstand a fire. Openings in such structural elements (forcables and slots for tubes or joints) have to show the same fireresistance as the structural elements in which they are situated.Accordingly, a number of fireproofing compounds are used, for example,to coat the structural elements to make them fireproof or to increasethe fire resistance of the sealing systems for the openings.

The sheaths and insulations of electrical cables and plastic pipesconsist of inflammable materials which, after ignition, can spread thefire very quickly and which, in addition, conceal the danger of fillingworkshops and escape routes with smoke and, at the same time, of formingcorrosive or toxic combustion products. These risks can generally beminimized by fireproof coatings.

DE-PS 20 65 117 describes a fireproofing compound which containschlorinated hydrocarbons, antimony trioxide and asbestos fibers inaddition to other substances in an aqueous polymer emulsion. Thiscompound is used as a protective coating for electrical cables. In theevent of fire, however, the chlorine-containing compound gives off notonly chlorine compounds, but also hydrogen chloride gas which is bothtoxic and highly corrosive. In addition, the fireproofing compounddescribed in DE-OS 20 65 117 contains antimony trioxide which isregarded as a carcinogenic substance and also asbestos fibers which arenow known to have a health-damaging effect.

DE-PS 20 39 969 also describes a fireproofing compound containingchlorinated hydrocarbons. The compound in question may also containasbestos and antimony compounds as further components. Accordingly, thefireproofing compound according to DE-PS 20 39 969 also has theunfavorable properties mentioned above and shows adverse health-damagingeffects.

Although the fireproofing compound disclosed in DE-OS 27 24 604 avoidsthe use of asbestos fibers, it still contains chlorinated hydrocarbonsand antimony trioxide. Accordingly, the fireproofing compound accordingto this document also shows unfavorable health-damaging effects.

The use of a fire-retarding compound for coating electrical cables andlining cable runways is described in DE-PS 28 44 693. The problemaddressed by the invention to which this document relates was to modifythe fireproofing compound described in DE-PS 20 39 969 in such a waythat asbestos need no longer be used. However, the compound used inaccordance with DE-PS 28 44 693 still contains an organic halogencompound and, optionally, antimony compound which leads to thedisadvantages already described.

Halogen-free fireproofing compounds are also known from the prior art,but contain large quantities of health-damaging antimony compounds, suchas antimony trioxide for example. Despite a high content of antimonycompounds, these known fireproofing compounds show poor fireproofingproperties. For example, cables with a halogen-free sheath and ahalogen-free insulation, such as telephone cables with PE sheaths andinsulations, cannot be protected with a commercially available productof this type in such a way that the requirements of DIN 4102, Part 1(Class B1 Building Materials--Flame-Resistant Building Materials) aresatisfied.

On account of the risks attending fires involving PVC cables (heavysmoke generation, evolution of toxic and corrosive gases), numerousattempts have also been made to replace PVC by polyolefins or byhalogen-free elastomers. However, the fire risks attending these newtypes of cables are often no less than those attending PVC cables andcan even be greater.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The problem addressed by the present invention was to provide afireproofing compound which would be far less problematical to theenvironment and to human health than known fireproofing compounds. Thefireproofing properties of the compound obtained would nevertheless begood and, in particular, would satisfy legal requirements. In addition,the fireproofing compound would also be capable above all of effectivelyprotecting the PVC-free cables now appearing on the market in allindustrial countries against ignition and fire propagation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

This problem has been solved by a fireproofing compound of the typementioned above which is free from antimony compounds, asbestos andhealth-damaging, more particularly halogen-containing flame retardants.Surprisingly, the absence of antimony compounds, asbestos and thehealth-damaging, preferably halogen-containing flame retardants does notimpair the fireproofing properties of the compound. Building regulationsrelating to the fireproofing properties are fulfilled. At the same time,the fireproofing compound obtained is ecologically safe andphysiologically harmless because it does not contain any antimonycompounds or asbestos and because no health-damaging substances, such asin particular halogenated hydrocarbons, other halogen compounds or freehalogens, are released from the flame retardants in the event of fire.The fireproofing compound according to the invention shows high thermalconductivity at service temperatures. The effect of this is that theheat generated in the case of cables under electrical loads iseffectively dissipated.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, not only the flameretardants, but also the fireproofing compound as a whole arehalogen-free. More particularly, the fireproofing compound as a wholemay be chlorine-free in this case because chlorine compounds inparticular are used as constituents of conventional fireproofingcompounds. The described absence of halogens provides for even betterenvironmental compatibility of the fireproofing compound because notoxic or corrosive hydrogen halides or other halogen compounds can bereleased in the event of fire.

The binders used in the fireproofing compound are preferably aqueousdispersions of plastics or synthetic resins which are preferablyhalogen-free. Typical homopolymers, copolymers or terpolymers may beused as binders, copolymers or terpolymers being preferred. Ethylene,vinyl laurate, versatate and acrylate are mentioned as examples ofsuitable halogen-free comonomers. Copolymers containing at least onevinyl acetate component are particularly advantageous. The vinyl acetatecomponent acts as a particularly effective coupling agent between theconstituents of the fireproofing compound and between the fireproofingcompound and the substrate to which it is applied. Preferred bindersare, for example, ethylene/vinyl acetate copolymers.

The polymers and, in particular, copolymers suitable for use inaccordance with the invention preferably have a glass transitiontemperature T_(g) above -30° C., a minimum film forming temperature MFTof ≧0° C., a tensile strength of ≦5 N/mm² and an elongation at break of≦400%. Copolymers such as these provide the fireproofing compound withgood consistency and, hence, processability and enable the fireproofingcompound applied to a substrate to develop good mechanical physicalproperties.

According to the invention, the binder is preferably present in aquantity of 5 to 20% by weight and, more particularly, 7.5 to 15% byweight binder dry matter, based on the fireproofing compound as a whole(wet). The consistency and viscosity of the fireproofing compound can bevaried over a wide range by changing the quantity of binder. Thequantity of binder may be changed in coordination with the content ofother constituents of the fireproofing compound, such as fillers forexample, in order specifically to adjust the fireproofing compound to acertain consistency.

The substances present as flameproofing agents in the fireproofingcompound according to the invention are preferably halogen-free and/orfree from toxicologically and ecologically unsafe compounds, moreparticularly heavy metal compounds. It is specifically this measurewhich contributes towards ensuring that an ecologically safefireproofing compound is obtained. The substances mentioned arepreferably insoluble in water. The advantage of this is that they cannotbe dissolved out from the fireproofing compound over a period of time ifthe fireproofing compound comes into contact with atmospheric moistureor otherwise with water.

The flameproofing agent is preferably present in the fireproofingcompound in a quantity of 10 to 60% by weight and, more particularly, 20to 50% by weight, these quantities being based on the total quantity offireproofing compound in its wet phase.

The flameproofing agents used are, in particular, inorganic solids whichreact endothermally on heating (i.e., for example, in the event offire). This endothermal reaction is preferably reflected in melting,sublimation, phase transition or in a solid-state reaction. Theendothermal reaction may accompanied by the elimination of gases,preferably non-inflammable gases. The gases eliminated which escape fromthe fireproofing compound in the event of fire are, for example, water(in the form of steam or gas), carbon dioxide and ammonia. The solidsused as flameproofing agents preferably have an average particlediameter of 1 to 50 μm and, more particularly, an average particlediameter of 2 to 30 μm. The particle fineness greatly increases thereactivity of the flameproofing agent.

The described flameproofing agents may be, for example, hydroxides,carbonates, phosphates, borates or stannates. Examples of such compoundsare aluminium hydroxide, zinc borate, ammonium polyphosphate, magnesiumhydroxocarbonate and magnesium hydroxide. Other suitable compounds arezinc stannate and zinc hydroxostannate. These compounds mentioned by wayof example develop their flameproofing effect above differenttemperatures. Magnesium hydroxide, for example, develops itsflameproofing effect at higher temperatures than the other compoundsmentioned while magnesium hydroxocarbonate develops its effect over abroad temperature range. These compounds mentioned generally and by wayof example may also be used in the form of mixtures. The advantage ofthis is that the temperatures at which the flameproofing effect isdeveloped can be varied or adjusted in dependence upon the constituentsand composition of the mixture. Where mixtures are used, a combinationof aluminium and zinc compounds is advantageous because mixtures such asthese develop effects which go beyond the sum of the individual effects(synergism). For example, zinc stannate and zinc hydroxostannate may beused in combination with aluminium hydroxide.

According to the invention, mixtures of 80 to 98% by weight aluminiumhydroxide and 2 to 20% by weight zinc borate may be used with particularadvantage as the flameproofing agent.

The fibers which the fireproofing compound contains are preferablypresent in a total quantity of 0.2 to 27.5% by weight, based on thefireproofing compound as a whole (wet). In a preferred embodiment ofthe-invention, only inorganic fibers are used in the flameproofingcompound. The inorganic fibers provide the fireproofing compound withgreater surface roughness which distinctly improves its dissipation ofheat at service temperatures, for example where it is used as a cablefireproofing compound. In addition, these fibers improve the mechanicalproperties of the coating (less sensitivity to cracking under mechanicalload, such as bending etc.) and, in addition, prevent the fireproofinglayer from bursting in the event of fire.

Another preferred fireproofing compound according to the inventioncontains a mixture of inorganic and organic fibers. Since the organicfibers have a greater surface structure by comparison with the inorganicfibers, the durability and adhesiveness of the fireproofing compound asa whole are increased by the incorporation of these fibers. The surfaceroughness of the fireproofing compound, its mechanical properties andits processability can be varied through the mixing ratio of inorganicto organic fibers. In mixtures such as these, the inorganic and organicfibers are respectively present in quantities of 0.1 to 20% by weightand 0.1 to 7.5% by weight, based on the fireproofing compound as whole(wet), contents of 0.5 to 10% by weight inorganic fibers and 0.1 to 3.5%by weight organic fibers again being preferred.

The inorganic fibers preferably have an average thickness of 10 μm andan average length of 300 μm. The organic fibers preferably have anaverage thickness of 15 μm and an average length of 1000 μm. Theinorganic fibers may be slag, mineral, glass and ceramic fibers. Organicfibers are, for example, polyethylene, polyoxymethylene, polypropylene,polyester, polyacrylonitrile, polyamide, viscose or cellulose fibers.

The plasticizers in the fireproofing compound according to the inventionare preferably present in a quantity of 0.1 to 2% by weight and, moreparticularly, in a quantity of 1 to 5% by weight, again based on thefireproofing compound as a whole (wet). Preferred plasticizers aretoxicologically safe phosphoric acid esters which, more particularly,are halogen-free. The phosphoric acid esters may have a phosphoruscontent of ≧7%. At least one acid function of the phosphoric acid estermay be saturated with an aromatic radical.

The fireproofing compound according to the invention may contain fillersand/or thickeners of the type typically used in fireproofing compoundsas further constituents. Such fillers are, for example, talcum,limestone, shell lime, chalk, dolomite, magnesite, basalt, mica orfeldspar. Suitable thickeners are, for example cellulose derivatives,such as hydroxymethyl or hydroxyethyl cellulose, alginates orgalactomannans. The fireproofing compound according to the invention mayalso usefully contain typical preservatives, typical dispersants,wetting agents and foam inhibitors which improve the stability of thefireproofing compound and facilitate its production.

According to the invention, the described fireproofing compound may beused for the production of fireproof coatings and fireproof closures.For example, it may be used for coating cables, partitions or surfacesof other structural elements. In this case, the fireproofing compound isdirectly applied to the cables for example. The fireproofing compoundmay also be used to coat steel, for example in the form of steel platesor steel girders, to provide protection against high temperatures.Typical fireproof closures in which the fireproof compound may be usedare, for example, seals and pointings.

The consistency or rather viscosity of the fireproofing compound may beadjusted according to the particular application or the method ofapplication. Depending on its viscosity, the fireproofing compound maybe applied by extrusion coating, spread coating, spray coating, knifecoating, brush coating, etc. Thus, the viscosity of the fireproofingcompound may be adjusted in such a way that it has the consistency ofliquid chocolate. This compound may advantageously be used forapplication in thick layers of, for example, 4 mm or for applicationswhere the fireproofing compound has to be applied vertically oroverhead.

The viscosity of the fireproofing compound may be adjusted through thecontent of binder, fibers or filler. Water or a typical thixotropicagent, such as for example cellulose ether, alginate or galactomannan,may also be added to the compound.

The present invention also relates to a dry, compact fireproofingmaterial in the form of a coating and/or fireproof closure. Thisfireproofing material is produced using the described fireproofingcompound and is free from antimony compounds, asbestos andhealth-damaging flame retardants, more particularly halogen-containingflame retardants. After application of the described fireproofingcompound, the fireproofing material according to the invention issituated, for example, on the surface of cables, partitions or surfacesof structural components or is present as a joint sealing material.

The fireproofing material as a whole is preferably free from halogen,more particularly chlorine. The fireproofing material according to theinvention has the advantage of greater environmental compatibility thanknown fireproofing materials.

At temperatures of 100° to 800° C., the fireproofing material accordingto the invention changes from a soft and flexible state into a brittleand hard state. The resulting greater mechanical strength can have apositive effect in the event of fire, for example because thefireproofing material offers greater resistance to an extinguishing jetof water under high pressure. More particularly, the fireproofingmaterial is water- and weather-resistant and combines permanentflexibility with an ablative effect. Accordingly, it is capable ofdeveloping its fireproofing effect even after prolonged periods and inan environment in which the fireproofing material is exposed tomoisture, weathering or mechanical loads.

Further features of the invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of preferred embodiments in conjunction with thesubsidiary claims. The individual features may be embodied eitherindividually or in combination with one another.

EXAMPLE 1

13.1% by weight water are introduced into a stirred vessel with 0.3% byweight of a hydroxymethyl cellulose, 0.4% by weight preservative basedon triazolidinopyridazinedione derivatives and 0.6% by weight dispersantbased on anionic acrylic copolymers. 5% by weight glass fibers (diameter8-16 μm, length 0.1-2000 μm) and 0.75% by weight polyethylene fibers(diameter 5-20 μm, length 800-1500 μm) are then added with stirring.After a dispersion time of 30 minutes, 34.0% by weight of a 50% aqueousvinyl acetate/versatate copolymer dispersion are added, after which 5%by weight of a diphenyl decyl phosphate, 35% by weight aluminiumhydroxide, 2.5% by weight zirconium borate and 3.35% by weight calciumcarbonate are successively introduced. A highly viscous coating compoundis obtained. This compound is applied in a dry layer thickness of 2.5 mmto a cable group consisting of three PVC cables (NYY-J, 3×1.5 mm²). Thecoating film has a Shore A hardness of 36, a tensile strength of 0.2N/mm² and an elongation at break of 195%. With a residual length of >30cm, the applied compound passes the SS 424 14 75 Class F 3 test.

EXAMPLE 2

An aqueous thickener solution consisting of 24% by weight water, 0.4% byweight hydroxyethyl cellulose, 0.8% by weight dispersant based onanionic acrylic copolymers and 0.4% by weight preservative based ontriazolidinopyridazinedione derivatives is prepared in a ball mill.25.5% by weight aluminium hydroxide and 9.2% by weight zinc borate arethen added for grinding to a grindometer value of <63 μm. 18.5% byweight of a 56% polyvinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer dispersion and amixture of 1.5% by weight glass fibers (diameter 8-16 μm, length0.1-2000 μm) and 3.2% by weight cellulose fibers (diameter 5-30 μm,length 0.1 to 2000 μm) and also 2.1% by weight of a diphenyl cresylphosphate and 14.4% by weight calcium carbonate are added to the groundmaterial in a dissolver. A highly viscous fireproof coating compound isobtained. This compound is applied in a dry layer thickness of 2.5 mm toa cable group of three PVC cables (NYY-J 3×1.5 mm²). The coating filmhas a Shore A hardness of 83, a tensile strength of 1.6 N/mm² and anelongation at break of 10%. With a residual length of >30 cm, thecoating passes the SS 424 14 75 Class F 3 test.

EXAMPLE 3

A thickener solution consisting of 25% by weight of a 60% vinyl acetatehomopolymer dispersion, 14.4% by weight water and 1.0% by weight of ahydroxymethyl cellulose is prepared in a dissolver. After 0.3% by weightpreservative based on triazolidinopyridazinedione derivatives and 0.7%by weight potassium triphosphate have been added, 3.5% by weight mineralfibers (diameter 2-12 μm, length 0.1-3000 μm) and then 1% by weightpolyacrylonitrile fibers (diameter 5-20 μm, length 200-1200 μm) areadded with stirring. After a dispersion time of 60 minutes, 4.5% byweight trioctyl phosphate, 15% by weight aluminium hydroxide, 10% byweight magnesium hydroxide, 3.5% by weight zinc hydroxystannate, 13.5%by weight talcum and 9% by weight calcined kaolin are added. A viscouscement suitable for the production of fireproof joints is obtained.

A 30 mm wide gap in a 100 mm thick concrete slab is filled on both sidesto a depth of 40 mm with the cement thus produced. Loose mineral wool ispacked between the strips of cement as backfilling.

In the fire test according to DIN 4102, Part 2, the joint has a fireresistance time of more than 90 minutes.

EXAMPLE 4

A pigment paste is prepared in a turbulent mixer from 20.8% by weightwater, 0.4% by weight potassium triphosphate, 23.6% by weight of an 85%vinyl acetate/ethylene copolymer dispersion, 20% by weight magnesiumhydroxide, 15% by weight aluminium hydroxide and 10% by weight calciumcarbonate. 0.2% by weight galactomannan, 0.5% by weight preservativebased on triazolidinopyridazinedione derivatives and 0.3% by weightmineral oil foam inhibitor are added to the paste formed with continuedmixing. 5.7% by weight of a mixture of 12.3% by weight polyethylenefibers (diameter 5-20 μm, length 800-1500 μm) and 87.7% by weightceramic fibers (diameter 0.5-15 μm, length 0.1-2000 μm) are then addedand dispersed for 40 minutes. 3.5% by weight diphenyl decyl phosphateand 10% by weight calcium stearate are then introduced. A highly viscousfireproof coating is obtained. In the form of a dry film, it has a ShoreA hardness of 78, a tensile strength of 1.0 N/mm² and an elongation atbreak of 20.8%. If cable routes filled with 6×2 0.6 mm² PE cables andprotected over their entire length with 3 mm (dry layer thickness) ofthe highly viscous fireproofing coating are subjected to the fire testaccording to DIN 4102, Part 1, a residual length of more than 15 cm anda smoke temperature of <200° C. are obtained.

EXAMPLE 5

Three cable conductors and a cable saddle filled with cables inaccordance with DIN 4102, Part 9, pass through a 40×70 cm opening in a20 cm thick masonry wall. The remaining space between cableroutes/cables and wall is first closed with mineral fiber boards(thickness 60 mm, density 150 kg/m³), which are cut accurately to size,in such a way that the wall surfaces are flush with the surface of themineral fiber boards. The remaining gaps between the mineral fiber boardadaptors and the wall and the cable routes/cables are filled with afireproof cement according to Example 3. The entire surface of themineral fiber boards is then coated with a fireproofing compoundaccording to Example 4 in a dry layer thickness of 3 mm. The samecoating compound is similarly applied to the cable carrying assembly andto the cables over a length of 50 cm from the surface of the mineralfiber boards. If the component thus produced is subjected to a firetest, it meets all the requirements of DIN 4102, Part 9, for a period ofmore than 90 minutes.

We claim:
 1. An aqueous fireproofing composition, which dries to form afireproof material, which composition is a mixture comprising:(a) 5-20%by weight, based on the dry weight of a resin, of a binder resindispersion; (b) 10-60% by weight of a particulate flameproofing agent;(c) 0.2 to 27.5% by weight of non-asbestos inorganic fibers having anaverage length of 300 μm; (d) 0.1 to 10% by weight of a plasticizer; and(e) water, wherein the composition is free from antimony compounds,asbestos and halogen containing flame retardants.
 2. A fireproofingcomposition as claimed in claim 1 wherein said composition ishalogen-free.
 3. A fireproofing composition as claimed in claim 1wherein said binder resin comprises an aqueous dispersion of a syntheticresin.
 4. A fireproofing composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidbinder comprises a halogen-free aqueous dispersion of a plastic or asynthetic resin.
 5. A fireproofing composition as claimed in claim 1said binder is a polymer.
 6. A fireproofing composition as claimed inclaim 5 wherein said polymer has a glass transition temperature Tg above-30° C., a minimum film forming temperature MFT of at least 0° C., atensile strength not greater than 5 N/mm² and an elongation at break ofat least 400%.
 7. A fireproofing composition as claimed in claim 1wherein said binder resin comprises an aqueous dispersion of a copolymercontaining vinyl acetate residues.
 8. A fireproofing composition asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said binder resin comprises an aqueousdispersion of a copolymer of ethylene/vinyl acetate.
 9. A fireproofingcomposition as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a thickening agent.10. A fireproofing composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein said binderresin is present in a quantity of 7.5 to 15% by weight of dry resinbased on the fireproofing composition as a whole.
 11. A fireproofingcomposition as claimed in claim 1 wherein said flameproofing agent ishalogen-free, nontoxic and free from toxicologically and ecologicallyunsafe heavy metal compounds.
 12. A fireproofing composition as claimedin claim 11 wherein said flameproofing agent is insoluble in water. 13.A fireproofing composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidflameproofing composition further comprises a thickening agent.
 14. Afireproofing composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein saidflameproofing agent is present in a quantity of 20 to 50% by weight,based on the weight of the fireproofing composition.
 15. A fireproofingcomposition as claimed in claim 1 wherein said flameproofing agentcomprises inorganic solids which react endothermally on heating.
 16. Afireproofing composition as claimed in claim 15 wherein saidflameproofing agent comprises inorganic solids which react endothermallyon heating by melting, sublimation, phase transition or by a solid-statereaction.
 17. A fireproofing composition as claimed in claim 15 whereinsaid inorganic solids react with elimination of non-flammable gases. 18.A fireproofing composition as claimed in claim 15 wherein said inorganicsolids have an average particle diameter of 1 to 50 μm.
 19. Afireproofing composition as claimed in claim 15 wherein said inorganicsolids have an average particle diameter of 2 to 30 μm.
 20. Afireproofing composition as claimed in claim 1 further comprising afiller and a thickener.
 21. A fireproofing composition as claimed inclaim 1 contains only inorganic fibers.
 22. A fireproofing compositionas claimed in claim 1 further comprising organic fibers.
 23. Afireproofing composition as claimed in claim 22 wherein saidfireproofing composition contains 0.1 to 20% by weight inorganic fibersand 0.1 to 7.5% by weight organic fibers, based on the weight of thefireproofing composition as a whole.
 24. A fireproofing composition asclaimed in claim 22 wherein said fireproofing composition contains 0.5to 10% by weight inorganic fibers and 0.1 to 3.5% by weight organicfibers, based on the weight of the fireproofing composition as a whole.25. A fireproofing composition as claimed in claim 24 wherein saidorganic fibers have an average thickness of 15 μm and an average lengthof 1000 μm.
 26. A fireproofing composition as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid plasticizer is comprised of a toxicologically safe phosphoric acidester.
 27. A fireproofing composition as claimed in claim 26 whereinsaid phosphoric acid ester has a P content of ≧7%.
 28. A fireproofingcomposition as claimed in claim 26 wherein at least one acid function ofsaid phosphoric acid ester is esterified with an aromatic group.
 29. Afireproofing composition as claimed in claim 1 wherein said plasticizeris present in a quantity of 0.1% to 10% by weight, based on thefireproofing composition as a whole.
 30. A fireproofing composition asclaimed in claim 1 wherein said plasticizer is present in a quantity of1% to 5% by weight, based on the weight of the fireproofing compositionas a whole.
 31. A fireproofing composition of claim 1 useful in theproduction of a fireproof material, said composition comprising:(a) abinder comprised of an aqueous dispersion of a copolymer containingvinyl acetate residues (b) a flameproofing agent comprised of aninorganic solid which reacts endothermally on heating, (c) 0.1 to 20% byweight of of inorganic fibers, and (d) a plasticizer selected from thegroup of halogen-free phosphoric acid esters.
 32. In a method for theproduction of a fireproof coating or a fireproof closure, theimprovement comprising: forming a layer of the fireproofing compositionof claim 1 and drying the composition.
 33. A method as claimed in claim32 wherein said fireproof coatings or fireproof closures are seals orpointings.
 34. A dry, compact fireproofing material in the form of acoating and/or a fireproof closure produced by drying a fireproofingcomposition of claim
 1. 35. A dry, compact fireproofing material asclaimed in claim 34 wherein said material is chlorine-free.
 36. A dry,compact fireproofing material as claimed in claim 34 wherein saidmaterial changes from a soft and flexible state into a hard and brittlestate at a temperature of 100° C. to 800° C.
 37. A dry, compactfireproofing material as claimed in claim 34 wherein said material iswater-resistant and weather-resistant, shows permanent flexibility andhas an ablative effect.